The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on the Arctic territory. Supporters of the ex-president's political movement have reportedly set their sights on the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Caracas campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a high-ranking presidential adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the stars and stripes, accompanied by single-word message: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should keep work together as such. American security is also the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further pointed out that Denmark had substantially increased its defence spending recently, allocating a large amount specifically for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect complete respect for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he emphasized.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The situation were further complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had openly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a unpaid role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, linking it to the broader "fight against narcotics."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The island is considered critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable television interview, the president refused to rule out the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying global competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Local Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of intent, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not take over other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland shows a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's residents desire independence from Copenhagen, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a action. One policy director specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
